This guide will discuss the best VPN for FireStick, why you should use it, and how to install a VPN on FireStick. The VPNs covered in this tutorial work with all Fire TV devices, including the FireStick 4K, FireStick 4K Max, Fire TV Cube, All-New FireStick 4K, All-New FireStick 4K Max, and FireStick Lite.
FireStick is easy to set up and use. It uses a modified version of Android called FireOS. It supports streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Kodi, and hundreds more.
FireStick is probably the most user-friendly streaming device. I find it better than Android TV or Chromecast with Google TV.
However, some issues must be addressed immediately. I am referring to several restrictions and limitations imposed by streaming services, ISPs, and probably your government that are likely to dampen your experience and compromise your privacy.
You could be subject to:
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- Online surveillance and monitoring by your ISP, Government, and even third parties like hackers and cryptocurrency miners are common. That puts your privacy in grave danger!
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- ISP Internet Throttling (which targets video streamers) results in slow streaming and buffering issues, ruining your entertainment experience!
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- Content geo-restrictions. This limits your access to content only to a specific location!
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- Legal hassles while streaming through popular third-party Kodi addons and apps like Cinema APK, Live Net TV, and more. You don’t want someone looking over your shoulder all the time!
Thankfully, you can easily overcome all of it by using a VPN for FireStick. A VPN, or virtual private network, masks your IP address and online identity, giving you 100 percent privacy.
I will discuss why you need a VPN on FireStick and how it helps in more detail later. You will also learn how to install and quickly set up a FireStick VPN and how I picked the right one. Keep reading!
What Is the Best VPN for FireStick?
Overall, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for FireStick. Compared to other VPNs, It is faster, has more servers, and offers better privacy policies. It also offers top-notch security features, like military-grade encryption, split tunneling, and a kill switch.
Additionally, it has an app for every device and extensions for popular browsers. Below is a quick overview of why using a trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN on FireStick is essential. In a later part of the guide, I will discuss all the popular VPNs for FireStick in detail.
Best for
Streaming and privacy
Servers
3000+
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Supported Apps
Works with
Kodi, Torrenting, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Sky, HBO
Special Deal
3 Months Free (annual plan)- VPN Servers in 105 Countries
- Super fast speed – great for streaming
- Strong no logging policy
- Very secure 256-bit encryption
- No Streaming restrictions
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Network Lock (Killswitch)
- Unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Safe for P2P and torrent use
- Dedicated apps & easy set-up on all devices
- 8 simultaneous connections
- Excellent 24/7 Live chat/email support
- Bitcoin accepted
- 30-day money-back guarantee
How We Review VPNs?
We buy VPN subscriptions and carry out extensive research over several weeks, assessing essential factors such as speed, performance, security leaks, geo-unblocking capabilities, and additional features like ad-blocking. Our testing process involves examining multiple VPN servers across various cities and countries at different times of the day. Moreover, we also assess the performance on times and days when the network traffic is expected to be higher, such as weekends. Furthermore, every VPN is tested on all compatible devices, including routers.
Why You Need a VPN for FireStick and How It Helps
You need a VPN for the Fire TV Stick to ensure you can use your device however you want without constantly worrying or being alarmed. The following are the top reasons you must use a VPN.
1. Online Surveillance
It is no secret that ISPs and governments monitor users’ online activities. We have seen and read plenty about it.
Knowing that I might be getting watched makes me uncomfortable. That’s why I always use a VPN.
A VPN masks your IP address and tunnels your online activities through an anonymous server. Thus making it impossible for anyone to know what you are doing.
The idea is to choose a virtual private network with the most robust encryption technologies.
2. ISP Throttling
Since your online activities are monitored, your ISP can easily determine which streaming apps you use, such as Kodi, Cinema HD, CyberFlix, BeeTV, etc.
Internet throttling is a common phenomenon in which your ISP cuts down your internet connection speed when you stream videos. A casual streamer may not notice it, but a regular streamer will likely run into buffering issues.
ISPs employ this technique for load balancing, and it’s legal. You may also find it in the fine print in their Terms of Service.
A VPN helps you overcome ISP throttling! When you use the FireStick VPN, your online activities are encrypted. As a result, your ISP cannot tell whether you are streaming or, probably, just downloading a heavy document.
Since they don’t know you are streaming, they do not throttle your internet speed and let you enjoy streaming at higher, buffer-free speeds. It’s as simple as that.
3. Geo Restriction
Major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu place geo-restriction on their content library. For instance, Netflix is now available in more than 180 countries. However, many videos are not available everywhere due to geo-restrictions.
Such restrictions are in place due to licensing issues. Unfortunately, that also means you can’t access the entire content library. And that’s not confined to Netflix. All the major entertainment services have geo-restricted content.
With a VPN for the FireStick, you can unblock geo-locked content! A good VPN has servers located in several countries. You need to select one of the servers in the country whose video content you want to watch. You can also unblock regional content with a VPN.
4. Legal Hassles
Fire TV Stick lets you quickly set up Kodi and other third-party streaming services like Cinema APK and Live Net TV. These services give you free access to content that could otherwise be paid for. As a result, you may end up streaming some copyrighted content, albeit unintentionally.
This is likely to land you in legal trouble. I have heard of many such accounts of streamers being slapped with legal notices and hefty fines. You can easily avoid this with a FireStick VPN! When you stream with a VPN, your streaming activities are masked. As a result, no one can determine that you are streaming, ensuring your privacy and anonymity.
Note: I do not condone streaming copyrighted content for free. The law prohibits it, and users must not practice it. I strongly recommend users stream only free content available in the public domain. A VPN should only be used to protect your privacy.
Best VPN for FireStick
There are over a hundred VPN providers on the market. I have used and tested dozens of them to finalize this list of the top VPNs for FireStick. Later in this guide, you will find a section describing the method I used to test them.
After weeks of testing, I concluded that the following are the best VPNs for the FireStick:
Other VPNs came close. However, they were not as good. I did not want to make this list too long, as it would have only been more confusing.
1. ExpressVPN: Overall Best VPN for FireStick
Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is an all-around VPN for FireStick and is the leader in the race. It has consistently featured as the fastest VPN in various reviews, and our tests concur.
With over 3,000 servers in over 90 countries and more than 160 locations, ExpressVPN offers plenty of connection options. 256-bit AES encryption, split tunneling, a kill switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, a strict no-log policy, and several other security features make ExpressVPN a powerful and secure VPN service for the Amazon FireStick.
Since it is based in the BVI, which falls outside the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes group of countries, it is safe to assume that it has no external pressure to reveal the users’ data. ExpressVPN lets you connect up to 8 devices simultaneously with one account. It has FireStick, Android Mobiles, iOS, Windows, Mac, and more apps.
It also supports router-level configuration, allowing you to connect and protect as many devices as you want on your Wi-Fi. This ensures a worry-free, unrestricted entertainment experience. ExpressVPN is simply the best VPN for FireStick money can buy.
Reader’s Deal: You get 3 months free on ExpressVPN with a one-year plan, which accounts for a 49% discount compared to the monthly plan. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If unsatisfied with the performance, you can request a full refund (no questions asked).
How to Install and Use ExpressVPN on FireStick / Fire TV
Installing and setting up ExpressVPN on FireStick or Fire TV is easy and takes hardly one minute. Follow the step-by-step instructions below:
1. Click here to get an ExpressVPN subscription. Power up your Fire TV Stick and select the Find > Search option in the menu bar in the middle of the home screen.
Note: If you still use FireStick’s old interface, select the search option in the top-left corner.
2. Type in ExpressVPN and click it when it appears in the search suggestions.
3. Click the ExpressVPN tile on the next screen under the Apps & Games section.
4. Click the Download or Get button.
5. Open the app. Enter the email address and password you created during ExpressVPN signup, then click Sign In.
6. When prompted to “Help Improve ExpressVPN,” click OK if you wish to share anonymous reports or click No Thanks.
7. Click OK when you see the “Set Up Your VPN” prompt.
8. Click OK again when the “Connection request” prompt appears.
9. You are all set. ExpressVPN automatically selects a Smart Location for you. Click the connect button to connect to a VPN server instantly. To connect to a different server, click the Current Location button instead.
10. Click the ALL LOCATIONS tab on the top and pick the region. For instance, click Americas if you wish to connect to one of the servers in the United States or any other country in North America or South America.
11. Click the country to connect to the best server for that country, as determined by ExpressVPN. To explore more servers for any country, click > on the far right.
That’s all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for FireStick.
Video Guide to Install ExpessVPN on FireStick
https://youtu.be/vbaqgfPrG4c
Click HERE to Get ExpressVPN for FireStick
2. IPVanish
IPVanish is another excellent option for FireStick. It has more than 2,000 servers in over 75 countries, which is about a third of ExpressVPN’s.
With 256-bit AES encryption and the availability of OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, IPVanish offers solid connection security. However, its parent company, StackPath, falls under US jurisdiction, which makes me a little uneasy.
IPVanish allows you to connect unlimited devices simultaneously with one account. Like ExpressVPN, it also allows router-level configuration, securing all devices on the Wi-Fi network.
How to Install IPVanish on FireStick / Fire TV
1. First of all, get an IPVanish subscription.
2. Click Find > Search on the FireStick home screen.
Note: If you still use FireStick’s old interface, select the search option in the top-left corner.
3. Enter IPVanish and click it in the suggested search.
4. On the next screen, click the IPVanish tile. On the subsequent screen, click Download or Get.
5. Open the app and enter the IPVanish login credentials you created during signup. Click LOGIN.
6. Click CONNECT on the left to connect to the default server chosen by IPVanish. You can also manually choose the server by clicking the location icon in the bottom-left corner
Here’s our detailed guide to installing and setting up IPVanish on FireStick.
3. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is another decent VPN for FireStick. It boasts the largest network of servers on the market, with over 29,000 servers spread across 84 countries.
Although its US headquarters may raise a few concerns, its strict zero-log policy ensures no user data is at risk.
In addition, Private Internet Access has 100% open-source VPN clients, which allow anyone to verify their claims of security or privacy.
Industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch on all its apps, leak protection, IP masking, and a firewall combine to offer PIA users an impressive security arsenal. Throw in split tunneling and an ad-blocker, and you can rest easy streaming on your FireStick with this VPN.
ExpressVPN is faster, but PIA is not too far behind. This VPN made it to this list because it outperformed dozens of others.
How to Install Private Internet Access on FireStick
1. Click here to get a Private Internet Access subscription.
2. Select Find > Search in the menu bar on your FireStick home screen.
3. Start to type in Private Internet Access. You will see it in the search suggestions. Select it.
4. Click the VPN by Private Internet Access tile on the next screen.
5. Click Download or Get to begin downloading and installation.
6. Once Private Internet Access has been installed on your FireStick, click Open.
7. When the app loads, press the LOGIN button.
8. Enter your account details and press the LOGIN button.
9. Once logged in, you’ll have to give PIA permissions so it can function as intended. Press OK until you reach and complete a connection request.
10. To connect your FireStick to a server automatically, you can press the power button now.
11. If you want to choose a location manually, Search for the server you want using the corresponding button. For example, you can find servers in the US this way.
If you need more help, see our full guide to installing PIA on FireStick.
4. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN offers global security coverage with 7,000+ servers worldwide (in 90+ countries). It also maintains a strict no-log policy.
This means you leave no identifiable footprints while you stream on FireStick or browse the internet. CyberGhost offers agreeable connection speeds across many of its servers. With its best-in-class encryption system, this provider secures your online activities entirely.
In addition, CyberGhost lets you watch all the content on your favorite streaming platforms. CyberGhost lets you connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. It also has a user-friendly interface for FireStick that lets you get started immediately. For these (and more) reasons, I have selected CyberGhost as one of the best VPNs for FireStick.
How to Install CyberGhost on FireStick / Fire TV
Follow the steps below:
1. Click here to get the CyberGhost subscription if you haven’t done that already.
2. Power up your Fire Stick and go to Find > Search.
Note: If you still use FireStick’s old interface, select the search option in the top-left corner.
3. Type in CyberGhost and click it in the search results.
4. Click the CyberGhost VPN tile on the next screen.
5. Click Download or Get to download and install the VPN.
6. Open CyberGhost on FireStick. You should see the following screen with a code.
Go to cgvpn.info/link on a computer or smartphone browser. Log in with your CyberGhost account details and enter the code. Get back to the CyberGhost app on FireStick and click Validate PIN.
If you wish to log in with your username/email and password, click Open Regular Login instead.
7. Click the power button to get started. To change the server/location, click the Connect to the button where it currently says Best Location.
Check out my comprehensive guide on installing and using CyberGhost on FireStick.
5. Surfshark
If you are short on budget, then you should go with Surfshark. It is one of the cheapest VPNs but perfectly balances pricing and features.
With AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, SurfShark protects your streaming activities on FireStick and any other VPN.
A kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, leak protection, private DNS, Camouflage Mode, and numerous other features make Surfshark one of the best VPNs for FireStick.
With over 3,200 servers in 95 countries, Surfshark is also decently fast. While ExpressVPN is still clearly the best VPN on the market, followed by IPVanish, PIA, and CyberGhost, Surfshark also makes its mark.
SurfShark is also a solid choice if you are looking to unblock streaming services like Netflix.
Surfshark can be used on many other devices, including computers, mobiles, and more, in addition to FireStick. It offers simultaneous connection on unlimited devices.
How to Install Surfshark on FireStick / Fire TV
Follow the steps below to install and connect to Surfshark on FireStick:
1. Click here to get a Surfshark subscription.
2. Select the Find > Search option in the menu bar in the middle of the home screen.
Note: If you still use FireStick’s old interface, select the search option in the top-left corner.
3. Type in Surfshark and click it when you see it in the search suggestions.
4. Click the Surfshark tile on the next window.
5. Click Download or Get on the following window.
6. Open Surfshark once installed and Log in with your login credentials.
7. Click Quick-connect at the bottom right to connect to Surfshark’s default server location. Choose the country on the left to connect to any other server/location/country.
Check out our detailed guide to install and set up Surfshark on FireStick.
How did I pick the best VPN for FireStick, and why did I choose ExpressVPN over other VPNs?
When I started writing this guide, I considered rounding up multiple VPNs. However, I quickly realized that putting ten VPNs on this list would only confuse you and make you guess which one to buy. So, to make things easier, I decided to discuss the top five VPNs in this tutorial.
It took me a while to pick the best from the lot. I tested many VPNs several times before concluding. Following are some of the most important factors I considered before reaching my verdict:
1. Connection Speed
Connection speed is one of the most important factors when shopping for a Fire TV Stick VPN. Here is the Netflix-recommended speed that applies to video streaming through pretty much any source:
- 3 Mb/s for SD or 480p videos.
- 4-5 Mb/s for HD videos (both 720p and 1080p).
- 25 MB/s for UHD and 4K videos.
Remember that there will always be some speed loss with a VPN connection. ExpressVPN is my top pick as a FireStick VPN because it offers minimal speed loss. Here are our test results conducted on the same device at the same original broadband speed and over the same server location:
Original broadband speed without VPN (Allotted: 50 Mbps Achieved: 48.6 Mbps)
ExpressVPN: 46.3 Mbps Download (speed retention of 95.27%)
IPVanish: 36.3 Mbps Download (speed retention of 75%)
PIA: 31.9 Mbps Download (speed retention of 65.64%)
Surfshark: 28.8 Mbps Download (speed retention of 59.26%)
CyberGhost: 27.8 Mbps Download (speed retention of 57.20%)
As you can see, ExpressVPN offered the fastest connection and retained more than 95% of the original speed. IPVanish came the closest with 75% speed retention, a speed difference of 20%.
Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Surfshark showed a considerable drop in speed. However, they are still better than the other VPNs I tested.
Please note that these tests were carried out on the fastest available VPN servers offered by the providers. The speeds may vary depending on the chosen server and its location. The farther the server is from your physical location, the lower the speed is likely to be. The speed also depends on other variables such as device specs, ISP, router, and more.
2. Strength of Encryption
OpenVPN AES 255-bit is the most effective encryption protocol. It is a must for the FireStick VPN you wish to buy. All the popular VPN providers employ this protocol. It is considered the best in the industry.
3. Security Features
DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and a kill switch are some of the most important security features you must consider while exploring the FireStick VPN. For instance, ExpressVPN is equipped with all these and many other security features. That’s one of the reasons why it is our top pick for the best FireStick VPN.
4. No-Log Policy
No one should be able to issue a subpoena, dig into VPN providers’ records, and fetch your logs. Only then can a VPN be considered fully secure. ExpressVPN maintains a strict zero-log policy. They have nothing documented; hence, there is nothing to reveal to anyone. IPVanish, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost VPN, and Surfshark maintain no-logging policies.
5. Customer Support
A good FireStick VPN does not require you to contact customer support. However, should the need arise, the support must be readily available. ExpressVPN, IPVanish, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Surfshark offer 24/7 live chat and email support. However, IPVanish is the only company with phone-based customer support in some countries, including the USA, the UK, Mexico, Spain, Australia, and Brazil.
6. User-friendly App
When looking for the best VPN for FireStick, this automatically becomes one of the most critical aspects. The Amazon FireStick is a remote-controlled device. Hence, the VPN app must be remote-friendly.
ExpressVPN is 100 percent compatible with the FireStick remote. It’s neat, and the white layout is also incredibly user-friendly.
IPVanish has revamped its interface and adopted a minimalist look, making it FireStick-friendly. Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Surfshark also have remote-compatible apps for FireStick.
7. Jurisdiction
ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a small group of islands with an independent judiciary system. BVI does not fall under any intelligence alliance, including 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes, or 14-Eyes; it has no data retention laws and is not compelled to supply customer records to any country. Therefore, ExpressVPN has every reason and all the authority to give you total privacy.
Even though IPVanish’s parent company is headquartered in the US, the VPN service maintains a strict no-log policy and ensures your private data remains safe. The same is true for Private Internet Access. CyberGhost and Surfshark are also headquartered outside the jurisdiction of the major surveillance organizations.
8. Money-back Guarantee
A money-back guarantee is typical among VPN providers and is one of the essential factors users consider while looking for a VPN. It is like a trial period that lets you test the VPN and determine whether or not it is good for you.
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day, full money-back guarantee. Should you change your mind and decide not to continue with ExpressVPN (which I don’t foresee happening), you can cancel the subscription and request a full refund.
IPVanish now also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access also offers a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee, so you have enough time to decide whether to continue or cancel.
CyberGhost gives you a 45-day full refund period, more than any other VPN on this list. You can also test the VPN for 24 hours without providing payment information.
Surfshark also has a 30-day full refund policy if you decide not to continue.
Free VPN for FireStick
I keep getting questions like, What is the best free VPN for FireStick? I would say that there is no combination of “free” and “best” when considering VPNs.
If you are looking for the best VPN, you can’t get it for free. I agree that some users can’t afford paid VPNs, but I would not go for a free VPN. Using a free VPN is as good as using no VPN at all. A free VPN for FireStick can do more harm than good. You can read here why free VPNs should be avoided.
Changing Amazon Region for FireStick
You can set up a VPN on a Fire TV Stick using the above methods. That is enough to protect your privacy. However, a few users prefer to take extra measures. In that case, you can also change the region for your Fire Stick without giving your actual address.
Changing the FireStick region is pretty simple. First, open Amazon on your PC browser and follow these steps:
1. Visit Amazon.com and hover your mouse over Hello, Sign in Account & Lists near the top-right corner of your screen. Then, click the yellow Sign in button.
Note: If you live outside the US, visit your country’s corresponding Amazon site. The following steps may look slightly different for you.
2. Next, enter the email address for your Amazon account and click Continue.
3. Enter your password and click Sign-In.
4. You’ll return to the Amazon home screen. Once again, hover your mouse over Hello, [Your Name] Account & Lists. Then, click on Content & Devices.
5. Click the Preferences tab.
6. On the next screen, find the heading Country/Region Settings and click it. Then click on the Change button that appears.
7. The Country of Residence popup window will appear.
8. enter any information in the address and phone number fields. Make sure you select the country where you want to change your location. Then, click Update.
9. Your region has been changed successfully.
Conclusion – The Best VPN for FireStick
FireStick is a great streaming device. It has changed the way we watch TV. Even if you do not have a Smart TV, simply plug this device into the HDMI port and convert your TV into one. Now, all you need is a VPN to enhance your entertainment experience. With a FireStick VPN, you can quickly overcome geo-restriction and ISP throttling that tend to dilute the fun.
Using a VPN on FireStick is hugely beneficial, and with VPN protection in the form of ExpressVPN, all your problems are solved. No matter where you are, this VPN will give you the best possible experience, free from all troubles. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can ask for a full refund if you think ExpressVPN isn’t good enough (which is highly unlikely!). So, with ExpressVPN for FireStick, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy.
FAQ’s
ExpressVPN is easily the best VPN for a jailbroken FireStick. It is the fastest VPN and provides the best security.
I would never use a free VPN for my streaming needs. Free VPNs are known to collect user data and are not very secure.
There are plenty of reasons why everyone should use a VPN. As a FireStick user, you need a VPN to mask your streaming activities and avoid surveillance from your ISP and government. A VPN will also unblock geo-restricted content and prevent Internet throttling.
No. One VPN subscription can cover multiple devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, smart TVs, and other streaming devices.
Summary
There are hundreds of VPNs on the market. It may be difficult to decide which is the best for your FireStick. Therefore, I decided to test many of them and filter out the best ones for you. Our various tests concluded that ExpressVPN, IPVanish, PIA, CyberGhost, and Surfshark are the best VPNs for FireStick. However, if I were to pick one, I would go with ExpressVPN without hesitation.
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Edward B Mitchell says
Can I use Proton VPN on my Firestick ? I already have it on my PC and don’t wish to pay for another VPN.
Max says
Hi Edward, yes you can!
Ronan says
Same thing for me, express vpn doesn’t come up in the search. I’m in Ireland. What should I do?
Patrick says
Hey Ronan,
You can sideload the ExpressVPN app by following the instructions here – https://www.firesticktricks.com/install-expressvpn-firestick.html#Method_2_Sideloading_the_ExpressVPN_APK_on_FireStick